Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim on Monday, 1 July withdrew his application seeking parole, The Indian Express reported. Convicted for rape, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was seeking parole saying that he wants to attend to his agricultural fields.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar last week had said a decision on the parole application would be taken keeping in view the interests of the state. The chief minister had said there were legal, administrative and other procedures involved on a parole plea.
Ram Rahim, behind bars at Sunaria jail in Haryana’s Rohtak district after being convicted in two rape cases and in the murder case of a journalist, had sought 42 days of parole.
The 51-year-old, who is also facing trial in the murder case of a Dera follower – Ranjit Singh – and in another case involving castration of sect followers, had got a favourable report from the jail superintendent, who said his conduct had been good and he had not violated any rule.
A parole application is filed before the jail superintendent who forwards it to the deputy commissioner concerned. Then a report is sought from the superintendent of police and, in the end, a recommendation is made by the divisional commissioner.
In Ram Rahim's case, the Rohtak commissioner was empowered to exercise the powers of the state government in deciding parole request.
Health Minister Anil Vij had said earlier that Ram Rahim or any other prisoner was entitled to seek parole if the criteria was met as per the law.
He said the parole issue should not be linked with the upcoming Assembly polls.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and PTI)
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